"WD is using enterprise-class components to build a new family of network appliances for small businesses," said Bill Evans, general manager of WD's business storage solutions group. "The WD Sentinel S-series network appliances are engineered with Intel Xeon processors, pre-populated with WD Se datacenter 3.5-inch hard drives for rapid deployment, and feature dedicated 2.5-inch boot drives for maximum reliability. No other vendor offers a comparable network storage plus server in an equally small form factor. With a small footprint and quiet fan, an S-series appliance can be deployed anywhere."

Proven Components from Intel, Microsoft, and WD

Built by WD, powered by an Intel Xeon processor and running Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials, the WD Sentinel S-series is based on proven technologies from industry leaders. Unlike competitors' proprietary operating systems, the S-series is a fully configured native Windows Server on which customers can deploy thousands of Windows applications.

"Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials gives customers the benefit of built-in, groundbreaking, low-cost storage technologies, and WD's Sentinel S-series hardware helps small businesses take advantage of these technologies," said Jamie Hamilton, Director of Marketing, OEM Division at Microsoft Corp. "We are pleased to work with WD to tackle the small business, first-server opportunity. WD's hardware engineering expertise, previous success with network storage products based on Windows Storage Server, and leadership in offering an R2 version of Windows Server 2012 Essentials puts WD in a good position to serve this industry."

Affordable First Server for Any Small BusinessThe WD Sentinel S-series is a complete, fully-configured solution with automatic backup and restore software for up to 25 users and 50 computers, all at a very affordable price that starts at $2,560 U.S. MSRP. By combining a single solution for both storage and server requirements, the S-series appliances are a great solution for any small business looking for their first server.

"Finally, a network storage vendor has delivered a low-cost, turn-key solution that meets my customers' requirements-with no assembly required," said Kevin Royalty, Microsoft MVP and Managing Partner of Total Care Computer Consulting in Centerville, Ohio. "Small business customers want a packaged solution with balanced disk, processor, memory, and operating system that is engineered and tested as a unit. The DS5100 and DS6100 appliances are ideal as a 'first server' due to the high-performance Intel Xeon processor, Windows Server, high-capacity enterprise-class disk storage, and tiny footprint."

AvailabilityWD Sentinel S-series appliances are available today at CDW, PC Connection, and Insight, and through select VARs, resellers, and distributors worldwide. The WD Sentinel DS5100 is pre-populated in capacities of 4 or 8 TB. The WD Sentinel DS6100 is available with capacities of 8, 12, or 16 TB.

PricingFive models of WD Sentinel S-series appliances are available. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) start at $2,560.00 USD for the WD Sentinel DS5100 4 TB network storage plus server. WD Guardian Services, which offer flexible, affordable and hassle-free technical support, are available for periods of one or more years.

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